We’ve all had to make adjustments this year with COVID-19 gripping almost every area of our lives. Celebrities and public figures are no different- which is why we asked them how they’ve adapted, what’s inspired them during this difficult time, and how they make time for themselves.
HFR founder Samir Becic adds “It is immensely important that Texans stay physically fit during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
We hope that these positive tips and routines will make our readers feel less alone during these trying times and maybe even find some inspiration in adopting some of these COVID-19 healthy daily habits!
How are you staying physically active in the age of COVID-19?
Sofia Ojeda: I played sports all my life, earned 10 varsity letters in high school and went on to play college basketball so working out has always been part of my routine. But after my two pregnancies life changed dramatically for me. My body changed and did not respond to usual workouts I would do in the past, like go for a run a few times a week. I could not eat whatever I wanted anymore and still be in shape. I gained 40 pounds after my second daughter was born. That was 3 and half years ago! It has been a struggle for me for quite some time.
But about nine months ago I discovered CrossFit Fulshear, which is now Blue Eagle Fitness and Nutrition. We run, we squat, we do burpees, we do box jumps, we do core exercises, we do hang cleans and pullups. It is a full body experience and nothing like I have ever imagined. I thought my college workouts were tough, but the workouts I do today with my trainers are fast, intense, and make a difference. I have finally started to see a difference in my body mass and shape. I am stronger and I can chase around my 8 year old and 3 year old without losing my breath! ha!
When COVID-19 hit, I continued with my workouts through zoom. I thought, “Okay, the workouts won’t be that hard because we don’t have any weights.” BOY WAS I WRONG! The trainers use YOUR OWN BODY WEIGHT against you in the workouts. And sometimes they were more intense and more difficult than using weights at the gym! I stuck with my online workouts through the pandemic, and sometimes still do zoom classes if I can’t make it to the gym. This time has taught me, I can still work out even if I can’t physically get there. NO EXCUSE
What are you eating?
Sofia Ojeda: I try to eat as healthy as possible. Fresh vegetables, healthy meats, fish, salads, nuts and salads as much as I can.
But I also love love love wine and chocolate and all the goodies. I have had to really learn to cut back. But I do occasionally splurge. From Monday through Friday I am pretty strict with my diet. I will intermittent fast from 7 pm at night until about 11 am the next day. Only having coffee in the morning.I eat salad or a sandwich for lunch. Then have a normal dinner. A meat, a starch, and vegetables/salad. I also drink A LOT of water, all day long.
On my weekends I will give myself more room to splurge. If I have a craving I will usually satisfy it. If I want brownies or a donut, I will have one.If I am craving pizza or fast food I will grab some. But I try to make healthy choices with fast food. I will usually just eat a burger, skip the fries and soda.
It is always a challenge, but I try really hard to balance as much as possible. I am a mom of two young girls, so there are many nights where I will just throw in a frozen pizza and call it a night.
Being the voice of information and news during a pandemic creates new and unforeseen obstacles- what are some of the challenges that you’ve successfully adapted to/overcome?
Sofia Ojeda: I think the biggest obstacle I have had to overcome during the pandemic is fear of the unknown. How can I do my job and be around so many people on a daily basis without being exposed to the Coronavirus and getting sick?We didn’t know much about it in the beginning but we still had to continue working.I am so grateful to work for such an amazing company that really guided us through and still continues to guide us through these uncertain times.
Before the pandemic, I have always been a very social and physical person– high fives, hugs, close pictures. I think another difficult part of all of this was how do I still connect with people without being able to shake their hands and smile at them (with the mask covering my face)? How can we really connect when we are doing the interview? I have always taken pride in connecting with everyone I meet. And this has been pretty difficult. I still try my best to chat a little longer, share my story with them, and make my smile even bigger underneath my mask. Doing more of the little things to keep that connection.
How has your job changed in the past few months?
Sofia Ojeda: We used to all come together in the mornings in a conference room and have our morning meetings. We don’t all come to the station anymore. The majority of the crew will meet via zoom and reporters will pitch story ideas that way. I have also had to drive my own car and meet my photographer at story locations, before the pandemic we would always ride together.I am always making sure I am away from people physically and I carry a large spray bottle of hand sanitizer in my car that I use about 20 times a day.When I am out in the field reporting I wear my mask everywhere I go, indoors and outdoors and stay at least 6 feet from everyone as much as I can.It’s just the way it is now and I have adapted to it. So far it’s been working and I am thankful to continue to do what I love and help get others very important information on a daily basis.
How are you managing your stress during this time?
Sofia Ojeda: I went through about a month recently where I wasn’t sure I could continue doing everything I was doing. It was like the pandemic really started to affect me and my mental health. I felt the stress at work and I felt the stress at home. It was just building and building and building. I had a scheduled vacation a few weeks ago and we didn’t go anywhere, it was a staycation, but it was incredible. I took time off of work, social media, news articles, spent time with my children and my husband, and just decompressed from everything that is going on. And it worked a miracle. I went back to work completely rested and ready to go.I know it may not be possible for everyone to take an entire week of work off, but even if you take a day to yourself or a few hours. It helps so much. If you are okay then you can continue to do the things you love and help others as well.
A bit of positivity: have you seen an act of kindness or generosity during this difficult time that has moved you or inspired you?
Sofia Ojeda: I think people in general here in the Houston area have shown so much kindness and generosity. With food giveaways and donations and helping families in need during this time. We have covered so many stories of people doing such amazing things for others in a really difficult time. It makes me love my job and continue to want to spread the good news in this world. From a mom in the Katy area asking the public to send her special needs daughter pins to make her smile, (AND THEY DID! Hundreds of them) to a 67-year-old surfer jumping in raging Gulf of Mexico waters during Hurricane Hanna to save two girls. People can be so selfless and so kind and their actions fuel the good in this world. Their stories and actions have inspired me beyond words.
How are you staying in touch with family and friends? Any tips for staying more connected?
Sofia Ojeda: FACETIME FACETIME FACETIME !!! I think now more than ever is a super important time to check on your friends and family more often. A text or a message, or a nice note left for them. It goes a long way. I think especially for friends and family who have stayed home without seeing anyone we need to reach out to them more often. Call your mom, call your dad, call your cousins, call your friends.I will sit and chat with my sisters and parents and we will crack up laughing for the longest time. When I get off the phone I feel so much better and happy. It makes a big difference in your mental health and heart. Keep the connection alive.
What’s one good habit you have developed during this time that you want to keep?
Sofia Ojeda: I have become really organized during this pandemic. I have a huge desk calendar that I did not have before. I have different compartments in my huge work bag, I keep a notebook of all my to-do lists and events and assignments I have to do. It’s just forced me to get on a schedule, a routine, and stick with it. Routine keeps me busy and moving without a crazed mentality.
We all have some tough days, what keeps you positive and motivated as a public figure?
Sofia Ojeda: For me, it’s my family. When I come home and leave my work stresses at the door I can just decompress and relax with my most favorite people.I also feel like even on the toughest days, what I do makes a difference, even if it is a small difference, and I feel that because we are working to help others, then it is all worth it. That’s what keeps me going. Knowing I am a helper of some sort
What do you most look forward to doing again after restrictions are lifted?
Sofia Ojeda: Traveling to the Caribbean with my family. Our vacation was canceled right after the pandemic hit, so I can’t wait to be able to travel again to other countries.Also, I can’t wait to go to the movies again. There aren’t any theaters open close to us so that will be a lot of fun. I am not sure if there will ever be a day that we aren’t all wearing masks again, but I do look forward to the day when I can see people’s smiles on their faces.
What was the most fun quarantine activity you’ve done?
Sofia Ojeda: Staying at home with my kids playing floor lava (if you don’t know what that is, you put a bunch of pillows and couch cushions on the floor and you jump from cushion to cushion not touching the floor – because it’s lava! ) and “camping out” in our backyard.
What were the best and worst parts of working from home, especially when filming a newscast? How did you and other coworkers stay in touch?
Sofia Ojeda: In the very beginning, I was able to stay home one day a week and write stories for the newscasts. I liked staying home with my kiddos and husband and not having to drive into work for a little while. It was nice. We would message our coworkers through our news program. It was a nice change of pace for a while. I appreciated the time at home but was ready to get back to work when it was done.
I think the worst part is also working from home, because some days when I am in our morning meetings, my kids will be screaming in the background. I try my hardest to quiet them down, but kids will be kids, so that is hard sometimes. Having to juggle mom duties with work duties at the same time. It can drive you crazy.
What are 3 tips you would give to all Americans during COVID-19?
Sofia Ojeda: Not a tip but a message–> My heart goes out to all the families who have lost loved ones during this time and to those who are currently fighting this illness, I am thinking of you and praying for you.
Some tips I would give: If you can reach out to family and friends more often, it will help reduce your stress and keep your emotions in a healthy check.
If you can take some time to yourself every so often that will make you feel better and you will be able to tackle your daily tasks much easier.
And use this time to find a healthy outlet for you, whether it’s exercise or a hobby. Find something that you love to do and do it!
And as hard as this can be some days, just know we will get through this, take care of yourself and your family members, the pandemic will not be around forever.
